Five Democratic candidates, all seeking public office for the first time, squared off Tuesday in their race to win their party’s nomination on June 9 to fill the 47th State Delegate District seat being vacated by Del. Al Eisenberg.

The winner of the primary will almost certainly win the seat in November in the heavily-Democratic predominantly North Arlington district. Over 100 attended the event sponsored by the Arlington County Democratic Committee in a Ballston area auditorium. Listed alphabetically, the candidates are Miles Grant, Patrick Hope, Alan Howze, Adam Parkhomenko and Andres Tobar. On keys issues, all were in agreement, being among other things “emphatically” for gay marriage, against the Surrey County coal fire plant, for extending health care benefits and for a major push on transportation funds for Northern Virginia. Parkhomenko said he’s the only candidate to pledge he’ll be a full-time delegate if elected, though the position is intended to be part-time and pays only $17,000 a year. The other four candidates all defended their intent to retain their “day jobs” while serving in the state legislature if elected. In their opening statements, Grant stressed clean energy, civil liberties and encouraging community activism. Tobar stressed immigration reform and pre-school provider education. Parkhomenko focused on education, economic growth and smart transportation. Hope focused on those “most in need,” being out of work, sick or with disabilities. Howze called for “living free from discrimination,” integrating immigrants into the community and environmental activism.

Moran Wins F.C. Dem Committee Straw Poll

At its monthly meeting April 21, the Falls Church City Democratic Committee conducted a straw poll among its members involving the three candidates seeking the Democratic nod to run for governor of Virginia. The tally was 11 votes for Former State Sen. Brian Moran, 2 for former Democratic National Committee Chair Terry McAuliffe, 1 for State Sen. Creigh Deeds and 4 undecided. The primary election is June 9.

Police Arrest Man Charged With Target Store Assaults

Fairfax County police have arrested the man believed to be responsible for three sexual assaults at the Target store located at 6100 Arlington Blvd. in the Seven Corners area of Falls Church. An officer detained a man near the Target location on Saturday, April 18, at 3 p.m. and developed evidence to charge him with three assault incidents at the store. A 22-year-old resident of Patrick Henry Drive was taken into custody and transported to the Fairfax County Detention Center. He was charged with three counts of sexual battery on March 1 and 8. He allegedly grabbed women shopping in the store in a sexual manner.

16 Earn G.E.D. at Fairfax Detention Center

Sixteen students incarcerated at the Fairfax County Detention Center graduated with General Education Development (GED) certificates in a ceremony earlier this month, the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Department and Fairfax County Public Schools announced jointly. The certificate serves as the equivalent to a high school diploma. “This is a great collaboration between the Sheriff’s office and the school system that gives these men and women a chance to get their lives on track,” said Sheriff Stan Barry.

Englander Special Guest on “FCNP Live” TV

Donna Englander, executive director of the Falls Church Education Foundation, will be the special guest on the Monday, April 27, edition of “Falls Church News-Press Live” TV show at 7 p.m. on F.C. Cable TV, Cox Channel 12, RCN Channel 2 and Verizon Channel 35.